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At least 235 records · Page 13

Overview of the Solar Dynamic Ground Test Demonstration Program at the NASA Lewis Research Center

The Solar Dynamic (SD) Ground Test Demonstration (GTD) program demonstrates the availability of SD technologies in a simulated space environment at the NASA Lewis Research Center (LERC) vacuum facility. Data from the SD GTD program will be provided to the joint U.S. and Russian team which is currently designing a 2 kW SD flight demonstration power system. This SD technology has the potential as a future power source for the International Space Station. This paper reviews the goals and status of the SD GTD program. A description of the SD GTD system includes key design features of the system, subsystems and components.

Shaltens, Richard K.↗

2 kWe Solar Dynamic Ground Test Demonstration Project: Design Report - Volume 2

Critical Design Reviews (CDR's) were held on the Solar Dynamic Ground Test Demonstrator (SDGTD). This CDR summary report will provide the following information for each of the system components and the system integration: (1) A bibliography of design/design review documentation; (2) A summary of the major discussion issues from issues from each design review; (3) A definition of the component and system detail designs along with the bottom line from the supporting analysis; (4) Status and key results from pertinent development activities on-going in the CDR time period; (5) A brief description of planned testing; and (6) A discussion of issues stiff open at the completion of CDR. Appendix 1 to this report contains a listing and status (as of 28 June 1993) of all the action items generated during all SDGTD CDRs. The reader should remember that the SDGTD program is being conducted in an open communication forum, and program participants are encouraged to ask questions or request information. Team members are allowed and encouraged to participate in the reviews on an equal basis. No request for information, as long as it is within the work scope, is refused, so many action items are generated.

Alexander, Dennis↗

Chapter 19A – Radar Cross Section

The material in this Section will provide the novice Flight Test Engineer (FTE) with a brief overview of the radar cross section (RCS) concept. Brief details of radar range descriptions, operations, target calibrations, and data reduction are included. It is noted that these range operations concentrate on the "static" test range rather than the much more sophisticated "dynamic" test range. The dynamic test range is what the FTE will probably work with. Radar reflectivity measurement has developed over the last two decades from a relatively simple endeavor involving the measurement of target RCS amplitude statistics to involving wide band, coherent systems that can measure high resolution images of targets as well as, in many cases, the polarization and phasing properties. This rapid growth in RCS technology has occurred because of the increased use of radar in today's commercial and military systems. In general, the goal for commercial systems is to enhance radar reflectivity, whereas the military goal is to reduce radar reflectivity. Also, classification and identification are important for military purposes because in adverse weather radar may be the only system that may be capable of separating enemy targets from friendly ones. This Section will discuss the fundamentals of RCS. Since the flight test techniques associated with RCS measurements are very similar to those of antenna pattern measurements, both will be presented at the same time in Section 19B Antenna Radiation Pattern Measurements.

Robert W Borek↗

Dynamic stability test results on an 0.024 scale B-1 air vehicle

Dynamic longitudinal and lateral-directional stability characteristics of the B-1 air vehicle were investigated in three wind tunnels at the Langley Research Center. The main rotary derivatives were obtained for an angle of attack range of -3 degrees to +16 degrees for a Mach number range of 0.2 to 2.16. Damping in roll data could not be obtained at the supersonic Mach numbers. The Langley 7 x 10 foot high speed tunnel, the 8 foot transonic pressure tunnel, and the 4 foot Unitary Plan wind tunnel were the test sites. An 0.024 scale light-weight model was used on a forced oscillation type balance. Test Reynolds number varied from 474,000/ft to 1,550,000/ft. through the Mach number range tested. The results showed that the dynamic stability characteristics of the model in pitch and roll were generally satisfactory up to an angle attack of about +6 degrees. In the wing sweep range from 15 to 25 degrees the positive damping levels in roll deteriorated rapidly above +2 degrees angle of attack. This reduction in roll damping is believed to be due to the onset of separation over the wing as stall is approached.

Beeman, R. R.↗

Closed Cycle Engine Program Used in Solar Dynamic Power Testing Effort

NASA Lewis Research Center is testing the world's first integrated solar dynamic power system in a simulated space environment. This system converts solar thermal energy into electrical energy by using a closed-cycle gas turbine and alternator. A NASA-developed analysis code called the Closed Cycle Engine Program (CCEP) has been used for both pretest predictions and post-test analysis of system performance. The solar dynamic power system has a reflective concentrator that focuses solar thermal energy into a cavity receiver. The receiver is a heat exchanger that transfers the thermal power to a working fluid, an inert gas mixture of helium and xenon. The receiver also uses a phase-change material to store the thermal energy so that the system can continue producing power when there is no solar input power, such as when an Earth-orbiting satellite is in eclipse. The system uses a recuperated closed Brayton cycle to convert thermal power to mechanical power. Heated gas from the receiver expands through a turbine that turns an alternator and a compressor. The system also includes a gas cooler and a radiator, which reject waste cycle heat, and a recuperator, a gas-to-gas heat exchanger that improves cycle efficiency by recovering thermal energy.

Ensworth, Clint B., III↗

Dynamic Docking Test System (DDTS) active table computer program NASA Advanced Docking System (NADS)

A computer program was developed to describe the three-dimensional motion of the Dynamic Docking Test System active table. The input consists of inertia and geometry data, actuator structural data, forcing function data, hydraulics data, servo electronics data, and integration control data. The output consists of table responses, actuator bending responses, and actuator responses.

Gates, R. M.↗

Effect of Preloading on Fatigue Strength in Dynamic Fatigue Testing of Ceramic Materials at Elevated Temperatures

Previously derived solutions of fatigue strength as a function of preloading were verified by applying preloads to elevated temperature dynamic fatigue tests of 96 wt% alumina at 1000 C and NC 132 silicon nitride at 1100 C. The technique was found very useful in identification and control of the governing failure mechanism when multiple failure mechanisms, such as slow crack growth, creep and oxidation occurred simultaneously at elevated temperatures.

Choi, Sung R.↗

Evaluation of Computational Fluid Dynamics for Testing at High Supersonic Speeds

Video is an overview of the AETC Capability Challenge: Evaluation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Testing at High Supersonic Speeds. Featuring assessments of a series of wind tunnel tests and CFD analysis conducted with a focus on air flow and the potential of optimizing future testing. This video is beneficial for sharing with other organizations that operate or test in wind tunnels.

CFD Studies↗

Incipient- and Developed-Spin and Recovery Characteristics of a Modern High-Speed Fighter Design with Low Aspect Ratio as Determined from Dynamic-Model Tests

Incipient- and developed-spin and recovery characteristics of a modern high-speed fighter design with low aspect ratio have been investigated by means of dynamic model tests. A 1/7-scale radio-controlled model was tested by means of drop tests from a helicopter. Several 1/25-scale models with various configuration changes were tested in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel. Model results indicated that generally it would be difficult to obtain a developed spin with a corresponding airplane and that either the airplane would recover of its own accord from any poststall motion or the poststall motion could be readily terminated by proper control technique. On occasion, however, the results indicated that if a post-stall motion were allowed to continue, a fully developed spin might be obtainable from which recovery could range from rapid to no recovery at all, even when optimum control technique was used. Satisfactory recoveries could be obtained with a proper-size tail parachute or strake, application of pitching-, rolling-, or yawing-moment rockets, or sufficient differential deflection of the horizontal tail.

Lee, Henry A.↗

Analysis of strapdown sensor testing

Some topics related to dynamic testing of strapdown sensors are analyzed, with emphasis on measuring parameters which give rise to motion-induced error torques in single-degree-of-freedom inertial sensors. The objective is to determine the dynamic inputs, test equipment characteristics and data processing procedures best suited for measuring these parameters. Single axis, low frequency vibration tests and constant rate tests are studied in detail. Methods for analyzing the effects of test motion errors and measurement errors are developed and illustrated by examples. Candidate test data processing methods are compared and recommendations concerning test equipment and data processing are made.

Crawford, B. S.↗

Subsonic Dynamic Stability Tests of a Sample Return Entry Vehicle

An investigation has been conducted in the NASA Langley 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel (VST) to determine the subsonic dynamic stability characteristics of a proposed atmospheric entry vehicle for sample return missions. In particular, the effects of changes in aft-body geometry on stability were examined. Freeflying tests of a dynamically scaled model with various geometric features were conducted, including cases in which the model was perturbed to measure dynamic response. Both perturbed and non-perturbed runs were recorded as motion time histories using the VST optical data acquisition system and reduced for post-test analysis. In addition, preliminary results from a static force and moment test of a similar model in the Langley 12-Foot Low Speed Tunnel are presented. Results indicate that the configuration is dynamically stable for the baseline geometry, but exhibits degraded dynamic behavior for the geometry modifications tested.

Fremaux, C. Michael↗

Space Shuttle Dynamic Integrated Tests - Concept and results for STS-1

It is pointed out that ground tests, which involve end-to-end checks of various subsystems often by stimulating an input device and examining the resultant effect, do not exercise dynamically all subsystem interactions encountered during a real flight. The development and implementation of the Dynamic Integrated Test (DIT) for the Space Transportation System, patterned on the ASIST (Avionics System Integration Self Test) concept, are examined. It is noted that the complete hardware-software data paths which are utilized in flight simply do not exist until the vehicle is assembled. The integrated test is considered necessary in order to verify the integrity of these paths, that is, to establish that proper connections have been made, that correct polarity is maintained, and that no unexpected interference is generated. As a result of four tests carried out on the Space Transportation System, hardware and software problems, both on-board the vehicle and within the launch support complex, were identified and resolved. Significant return was also realized in the training of the launch and flight crews.

Brody, S.↗

Testing a dynamical model for mid-latitude sea surface temperature anomalies

The present investigation is concerned with the development and testing of a dynamical model for sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the midlatitudes. The model is an extension of the stochastic forcing model, suggested by Frankignoul and Hasselmann (1977), in which SST anomalies arise naturally as a response of the slowly varying upper ocean to the rapidly varying air-sea fluxes. The conducted analysis confirms strongly the validity of this model. The results suggest that advection by mean ocean currents plays an important role in some regions. Attention is given to the governing equations, a statistical model, SST anomaly advection, heat flux anomalies, wind-driven mass transport in the mixed layer, mixed-layer depth, aspects of model testing, and the atmospheric forcing.

Frankignoul, C.↗

Operational Modal Analysis of the Artemis I Dynamic Rollout Test and Wet Dress Rehearsal

NASA has developed an expendable heavy lift launch vehicle capability, the Space Launch System (SLS), to support lunar and deep space exploration. The uncrewed Artemis I was the first flight of this new launch vehicle and tested critical systems for the upcoming crewed Artemis II flight to the moon. Accelerations were recorded at a multitude of locations on Artemis, the Mobile Launcher (ML), and the Crawler Transporter (CT)during the rollout of Artemis I from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Launch Pad 39B March 2022 and is referred to as the Artemis I Dynamic Rollout Test (DRT). While Artemis I was at Launch Pad 39B, the Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) was performed to demonstrate launch readiness and acceleration measurements were also recorded. Finally, Artemis I rolled back from Launch Pad 39B to the VAB in April 2022, where acceleration measurements were also recorded and is referred to as the rollback portion of DRT. Because the forces during rollout and at the launch pad acting on Artemis I, the ML, and the CT are not directly measurable, Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) techniques, instead of traditional Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) techniques, were used to identify modal characteristics. The OMA analysis of DRT and WDR directly builds upon the lessons learned from the OMA analysis of an earlier rollout of the ML from the VAB. DRT and WDR dynamic characteristics will be used to support SLS Integrated Modal Test finite element model correlation efforts and Exploration Ground System ML and CT finite element model verification and validation, which are part of the Building Block approach the Space Launch System program has implemented. The dynamic characteristics extracted from DRT as well as the rollout acceleration time histories themselves will be used in the development of generic rollout forcing functions that will provide refined estimates of the Artemis IV rollout forces, which will have the heavier and larger SLS Block 1B launch vehicle and Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2). This paper briefly describes Artemis I, the ML, and the CT physical characteristics, DRT rollout/rollback and WDR data collection, the challenges in implementing OMA techniques due in part to the CT harmonics, and how these challenges were overcome to obtain the Artemis I DRT configuration and WDR configuration modal characteristics.

Apollo↗